Children’s Mental Health Week 2026: Why ‘This is My Place’ Matters

Join Timeout Children's Homes for Children's Mental Health Week 2026.

Discover how we create a sense of belonging and therapeutic care for every child.

Children need more than just a roof over their heads. They need a space where they can exhale, be themselves, and feel a genuine sense of ownership. As we mark Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, running from 9-15 February, the theme ‘This is My Place’ resonates deeply with everything we do at Timeout Children’s Homes.

For young people in care, the concept of ‘place’ can be complicated. It is often associated with disruption or transition. That is why this year’s theme is so vital. It challenges us to ensure that the spaces we provide are not just facilities, but true homes where young people feel safe, valued, and connected.

This week is an opportunity for our schools, homes, and wider community to pause and reflect on how we foster belonging. It is a chance to listen to the young people in our care and ensure they know that their voice matters in shaping the environment around them.

The Power of Belonging in Mental Health

Belonging is a fundamental human need. When children feel they belong, they are more resilient, more confident, and better equipped to cope with life's challenges. The theme ‘This is My Place’ emphasises connection. It is about physical safety, yes, but also psychological safety—the feeling that you are accepted for who you are.

At Timeout, we see the impact of this connection every day. When a young person realises that their bedroom is truly theirs to personalise, or that their opinion on the dinner menu counts, it shifts their perspective. It moves them from feeling like a transient guest to a valued member of a household.

Research consistently shows that a sense of belonging acts as a protective factor for mental health. It reduces feelings of loneliness and anxiety, which are critical considerations for children who may have experienced trauma or instability before arriving in our care.

Therapeutic Care: Building a Secure Base

Our approach to therapeutic care is centred on creating a 'secure base'. This concept, rooted in attachment theory, suggests that children need a reliable, responsive foundation from which they can explore the world.

We integrate therapeutic principles into the very fabric of our homes and schools. This isn't just about scheduled therapy sessions; it is about the daily interactions that signal safety and care.

• Consistent Relationships: Our staff work hard to build trusting relationships, showing up reliably for the young people they support.

• Emotional Regulation: We help children understand and manage their feelings in a safe environment, validating their emotions rather than dismissing them.

• Predictable Environments: Routine and structure provide a sense of calm, allowing young people to relax and focus on their personal growth.

By embedding these practices, we transform a building into a sanctuary. We make it a place where healing can happen.

Listening to Every Voice

A key part of ‘This is My Place’ is agency. Do the children in our care feel they have a say? Are they listened to?

During Children’s Mental Health Week, we are placing a special emphasis on open discussion. We want every young person to feel empowered to talk about what this theme means to them. Does 'their place' mean a quiet corner to read, a vibrant communal area for games, or simply the freedom to express their identity?

We are encouraging our teams to facilitate these conversations using the resources provided by the campaign. From discussion starters to creative activities, there are many ways to get young people talking.

It is not enough for us to assume we know what makes a child feel at home. We must ask them. And crucially, we must act on what they tell us. Whether it is redecorating a room or adjusting a house rule, these small changes signal that their voice has power.

Activities for the Week

Throughout the week, our homes and schools will be engaging in various activities designed to explore the theme of belonging. We want to make mental health a normal, everyday topic of conversation, removing the stigma that can sometimes surround it.

We encourage everyone involved with Timeout—staff, teachers, and the young people themselves—to participate. This might involve:

• Creative Expression: Art projects where children depict what 'My Place' looks like to them.

• Community Building: Shared meals or group activities that strengthen the bonds between housemates and staff.

• Wellbeing Sessions: Mindfulness or relaxation exercises that help young people connect with themselves and their surroundings.

These activities are not just about filling time. They are about building a collective narrative that says: "You belong here."

Our Commitment to Mental Wellbeing

At Timeout Children’s Homes, mental wellbeing is not an add-on; it is the core of our mission. We understand that for a child to thrive educationally and socially, they must first feel mentally well and emotionally secure.

We are committed to providing high-quality therapeutic care that recognises the unique journey of each child. We invest in training our staff to understand trauma and attachment, ensuring they can provide the nuanced support our young people need.

As we celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week 2026, we renew our pledge to make every Timeout home a place of safety, warmth, and genuine belonging. We want every child to be able to stand in their home, look around, and say with confidence: "This is my place."